Public Communications Inc (PCI): Chicago PR Firm Profile
Public Communications Inc (PCI) is an independent Chicago PR firm founded in 1962 for healthcare, conservation and nonprofit clients, led by CEO Jill Allread.
Profiled
May 25, 2021
Desk
EPR Editorial Team
Firm summary
Public Communications Inc (PCI) is an independent, women-owned Chicago PR firm founded in 1962. Jill Allread is CEO and principal owner, and Craig Pugh is president, per the firm's site. PCI serves healthcare, conservation, education, culture, destination marketing and nonprofit clients with crisis and issues counsel, public relations and digital marketing.
Originally published May 2021. Updated October 17, 2026.
Who leads PCI?
Wikipedia says Allread was named CEO in 2014 and Pugh was named president in June 2015. A 2015 release said Allread had held the president title since 2010 and that Pugh was joining the ownership team from the Lowry Park Zoological Society in Tampa, where he was CEO. Allread's bio says she was previously the Brookfield Zoo's first director of public affairs, and the firm calls itself the Midwest's largest independent, women-owned PR agency.
What recognition has PCI received?
PCI's site lists Crain's 2024 Best Places to Work in Chicago. A November 2022 PCI release says the PRSA Chicago Chapter named Allread a Distinguished Leader honoree, and her bio cites Chicago Business Journal's Women of Influence in 2015 and the Publicity Club of Chicago's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Which clients does PCI serve?
The firm's named clients include the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, American Epilepsy Society, CAF America, Skyline Cruiseline, Georgia Aquarium, Option Care, The Marine Mammal Center and Pivot Health Solutions. A 2022 release also cites work for Howard Brown Health, Holy Family Church and Chicago's Museum Campus.
How does PCI compare with other healthcare and nonprofit PR firms?
PCI is an older, senior-led independent with a narrower purpose-driven focus than most generalist agencies. EPR's healthcare PR firms ranking and nonprofit PR guide cover the wider field, and Lovell Communications is a comparable healthcare specialist. EPR's Chicago PR firms directory lists local peers.
Related: PR agency profiles directory · Healthcare PR · Nonprofit PR · Chicago PR firms · Sam Brown Inc. · 5W Public Relations
Public Communications Inc (PCI): Chicago PR Firm Profile FAQ
When was Public Communications Inc founded?
Public Communications Inc was founded in Chicago in 1962.
Who leads Public Communications Inc?
Jill Allread is CEO and principal owner, and Craig Pugh is president.
What does PCI specialize in?
Crisis and issues counsel and integrated communications for healthcare, conservation, education, culture and nonprofit organizations.
Is PCI independent?
Yes. PCI describes itself as independent and women-owned, and is a founding member of the Worldcom Public Relations Group.
Editorial assessment by Everything-PR, based on public record and archive coverage. No firm-supplied marketing copy, no paid placement.
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